Police issue top tips to avoid bogus workmen
Campaign targets crooks
Police in Renfrewshire say they want to create a “hostile” environment for bogus callers and fraudsters.
Officers in the region after targeting criminal gangs who prey on the most vulnerable in our communities by taking cash for work they have no intention of ever carrying out.
The warning comes as part of a four- week Financial Harm Prevention campaign run by the force in the region.
Online and telephone fraud spiked during lockdown as callous crooks fleeced unsuspecting victims stuck at home in the pandemic.
Now as society begins to open up, fears that traditional ‘doorstep’ crime could increase are rising.
Inspector Tracy Harkins, deputy Local Area Commander said: “We are currently three weeks into a month long campaign targeting those responsible for causing financial harm to local residents.
“This type of crime comes in many guises and is commonly known as bogus or fraudulent crime.
“Unfortunately the majority of victims are generally from the vulnerable sector of our community - although this is not always the case.”
A week long crackdown is now underway to prevent anyone falling victim.
“During the forthcoming week we will be focussing our efforts on preventing and detecting doorstep crime which is often committed by suspects offering to carry out work on homes or gardens then failing to carry out the work agreed,” Inspector Harkins added.
“Invariably the thieves then demand large sums of money from frightened and vulnerable members of the public.
“This type of crime is always a local priority but initiatives such as this allows us to make a concerted effort alongside our partners to focus resources on current hotspots and crime types.
“By doing so we can continue to raise awareness within the community.”
The impact of doorstep crime is often not simply financial, but can have far reaching implications for victims.
Inspector Harkins said: “Doorstep crime can have a catastrophic effect on the victims and their quality of life. Many elderly and vulnerable residents lose their confidence to live independently in the community and can become withdrawn and suffer a deterioration in their health.
“Victims will often feel so annoyed with themselves that they fail to disclose what has happened to friends or family for fear of appearing ‘stupid’.
“This joint operation will initially focus on raising awareness of door step crime and urge those who are concerned about bogus callers to have the confidence to say no and contact police if in doubt.”
Police Scotland will be working in partnership with Trading Standards at Renfrewshire Council and other partners including ROAR to make Renfrewshire a hostile environment for bogus callers.